24-Hour Urine Corticosteroid Metabolite Panel (11-DHC, THC, 5α-THC, THF, and 5α-THF) — Urine
Measures selected adrenal steroid metabolites in a 24-hour urine collection to help assess cortisol production and identify certain adrenal disorders.
This test helps evaluate adrenal steroid production, including possible cortisol excess or inherited adrenal enzyme disorders.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82849-1
- Short code
- 11-DHC+THB+5a-THB/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur
- Synonyms
- 11-DHC+THB+5a-THB/THE+THF+5a-THF 24h Ur
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 36
- Ref high
- 50
- Critical range
- 18 N/A – 60 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85014
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures selected corticosteroid metabolites in urine collected over 24 hours. The panel includes 11-dehydrocorticosterone, tetrahydrocorticosterone, 5α-tetrahydrocorticosterone, tetrahydrocortisol, and 5α-tetrahydrocortisol, which are markers of adrenal steroid production.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest excess cortisol, reduced adrenal function, or an inherited adrenal disorder such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It may also be used with other laboratory and clinical findings to clarify the cause of adrenal hormone abnormalities.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. Record the collection start and end times and submit the complete collection, along with the measured urine volume if requested, for laboratory analysis.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully, including any storage and timing requirements. Tell your clinician about corticosteroids and other medicines, because they can affect the results; do not stop prescribed medication unless your clinician directs you to do so.
Reference range
Adult males: 38-50%; Females: 36-44%N/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal corticosteroid metabolite levels may indicate increased or decreased adrenal steroid production. The pattern of abnormalities can help identify conditions involving cortisol excess or adrenal enzyme deficiencies, but results must be interpreted with symptoms, medication use, and other adrenal tests. This panel alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Corticosteroid Metabolites
Frequently asked questions
Why is urine collected for 24 hours?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Can medications affect the results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy